Vehicle 1

Subaru Legacy

566 complaints · 21 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Legacy vs Toyota Camry: The Legacy has 56.6 complaints per year vs the Camry's 200.3, and 24 crash complaints vs 174. The Legacy's top issue is visibility/wiper (189), while the Camry's is powertrain (365). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Legacy
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategorySubaru LegacyToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
566
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
21
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
24
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
56.6
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Legacy

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER189
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM129
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
4. ENGINE30
5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE25

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Legacy has far fewer complaints per year (56.6) than the Toyota Camry (200.3), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher complaint volume may partly reflect higher sales, so buyers should still inspect both carefully.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint rates, the Subaru Legacy is the better choice. If you prefer a model with more widespread parts and service availability, the Toyota Camry may be more convenient, but be prepared for more potential powertrain and brake issues.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Legacy has 56.6 complaints/year vs Camry's 200.3/year.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Legacy's 24.
  • Legacy's top issue is visibility/wiper (189); Camry's is powertrain (365).
  • Camry has 27 recalls vs Legacy's 21.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Legacy
  • Check for visibility/wiper problems, especially windshield wiper failures or poor defrosting.
  • Inspect forward collision avoidance system for false alerts or malfunctions.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for powertrain issues like transmission shudder or engine hesitation.
  • Test service brakes for premature wear or pulsation.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Test all wiper speeds and defrosters on the Legacy.
  • On the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission issues.
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the Camry's brakes and powertrain.
  • Review service history for any electrical system repairs on either car.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru LegacyToyota Camry
2026
0
68
2025
6
126
2024
15
44
2023
10
56
2022
31
55
2021
31
151
2020
120
260
2019
122
374
2018
113
721
2017
118
148
Subaru Legacy vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Legacy vs Toyota Camry
Subaru Legacy total complaints
566
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Subaru Legacy total recalls
21
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
56.6
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Legacy Reliability & Problems

566 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Legacy or Toyota Camry?

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